(Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)
About 100 youngsters descended on a North East park, set off fireworks, threw eggs at police and tried to move on to another park under a dispersal order.
Police were called to Ward Jackson Park in Hartlepool on Saturday night after the group gathered and set off fireworks.
The youngsters threw eggs at officers when they arrived.
Thermal footage taken above the Bishop Cuthbert park area on Friday night shows just some of the dozens of young people present, as well as fireworks being thrown around in the park and near a busy road. (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)
Police moved the group on, but it then tried to enter Rossmere Park, which is under a dispersal order.
The incident comes during a wider crackdown on antisocial behaviour in Hartlepool’s parks, where police have also reported criminal damage and graffiti.
A dispersal order was brought in around Rossmere Park at 3pm on Saturday following reports of young people gathering in large groups, causing noise and disorder, with general criminality and criminal damage including graffiti taking place.
A separate 48-hour dispersal order was imposed around Bishop Cuthbert Park after reports of antisocial behaviour by young people.
Police were called to the park on Friday night after a large number of youngsters gathered, apparently for a pre-planned fight.
Fireworks were launched towards homes and a care home.
Thermal footage taken above the Bishop Cuthbert park area on Friday night shows just some of the dozens of young people present, as well as fireworks being thrown around in the park and near a busy road. (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)
Hartlepool Neighbourhoods Inspector Adrian Dack said: “Last night’s incidents were wholly unacceptable and we will not tolerate this behaviour anywhere in our town.
“Our parks are for everyone to enjoy, but such intimidating behaviour makes many residents uneasy about using them. Sadly, we’ve also seen repeated criminal damage at these facilities, which will be costly to repair.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and we’re working with schools, the local authority and elected members to identify and deal with anyone involved in incidents at Bishop Cuthbert, Rossmere or Ward Jackson parks.”
Thermal footage taken above the Bishop Cuthbert park area on Friday night shows just some of the dozens of young people present, as well as fireworks being thrown around in the park and near a busy road. (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)
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“Officers will also be visiting schools in person this week to engage with students and educate them about antisocial behaviour and crime. We know this behaviour is caused by a small minority and it’s a shame for the majority of our young people who know how to behave.
“Parents and carers have a role to play too – once again I’d urge them to speak to their children about what is and what isn’t acceptable behaviour, the dangers of handling and throwing fireworks and the consequences contact with police over ASB and criminal damage could have for their future.”
Under the 48-hour order, officers can direct anyone involved in antisocial behaviour away immediately, and anyone who returns during the order could be arrested.